Page 22 - Australian Defence Magazine Dec-Jan 2021

22 WOMEN IN DEFENCE AWARD WINNERS
DECEMBER 2020 – JANUARY 2021 | WWW.AUSTRALIANDEFENCE.COM.AU
“WE’VE RECENTLY CHATTED
TO BOTH OUR PAST HALL OF FAME WINNERS ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCES IN THE ADM PODCAST, WITH INSIGHTS INTO HOW THINGS HAVE CHANGED SINCE THEY BEGAN THEIR CAREERS.”
ABOVE: EOS in Canberra hosted their own function for WIDA2020, with Kavita taking out a Special Mention in the Technical Trade category.
“Today, we recognise so many capable women for their unique and valuable contributions to the defence of our nation. Women in military uniform... Women in Defence’s public service... And women in defence industry.
“My sincere thanks to the Australian Defence Magazine for hosting this event. Since its inception just three years ago, the Women in Defence Awards has grown from 6 to 8 categories. And from 111 to over 200 nominations. There have been, and continue to be, so many firsts.
“Women like Florence Violet McKenzie. Florence was our nation’s first female electrical engineer and certified radio telegraphist. She established the Women’s Emergen- cy Signalling Corps in 1939, training thousands of women. She persuaded the Navy to take on fourteen of her trainees – women who went on to form the Women’s Royal Austra- lian Naval Service.
“Just as Florence paved the way for more women to work in defence, you too are paving the way for future genera- tions of women to join defence in greater numbers and in a wide range of fields. You’re doing that through your hard work... Your daily contributions...
“And by leading by example. That’s why these awards are so important.
“I’m encouraged and inspired to see the number of wom- en working in Defence steadily growing over recent years – including in leadership positions. To this year’s Women in Defence Awards nominees, finalists and winners – con- gratulations to you all.
“Keep leading by example to inspire the next generation of women. Thank you for your contributions to our na- tion’s defence,” Minister Reynolds concluded.
KEYNOTE
“Congratulations to all the finalists and award winners to- day,” SYPAQ CEO Amanda Holt said during her keynote
EOS